Along with the onset of fall, the lovely colors on the trees, the cooler weather, and all things pumpkin spice is the season of haunting. While many look forward to apple cider and hayrides, others can’t wait for the next adrenaline rush. Visiting a haunted house is a fun activity as Halloween approaches. Whether you’re looking for a “boo!” from around the corner or a zombie gore fest, there are several great places to help you celebrate the season and spend time with family and friends. Read on to learn about the best haunted houses in Austin, Minnesota.
The Haunting Experience on Highway 61
The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 is a beloved experience for many Austin, Minnesota, natives. This top-rated haunted house in Minnesota has been providing scary fun for many years. Just a few minutes from St. Paul in Cottage Grove sits one of the most anticipated annual Halloween events. The Haunting Experience is great for those looking to have a frightful experience.
The hayride is a classic favorite, with your ride taking you through a haunted forest and the scary site of the Wilhelm Steelworks. The tractor trail is filled with surprises around every corner. You’re bound to see several maniacs, serial killers, and monsters ready to shock you and your fellow riders. The bravest guests among you can venture into the haunted house. We warn you to tread lightly, as live actors in full makeup stand in the shadows, while ghosts roam the halls.
While Haunting Experience provides many screams and gore, there are also plenty of fun, family-friendly activities for younger kids and those who prefer other traditional and relaxed fall activities. The Fall Fun Fest is in full swing during the daytime on select days. The entertainment on offer for families includes a petting farm for baby goats, free hayrides, pumpkin painting, and various other art activities. For the curious folk, free tours of the well-lit haunted house without the scary monsters are also available.
The Zywiec Family began this tradition in 1986. Now, with 35 years of experience, they provide some of the best scares and food, making this annual event an experience you don’t want to miss. Haunting experiences begin at dark and usually end at around 11 p.m. General admission tickets begin at $24 at the door, though discounts, package offers, and group deals are available online, so be sure to check the house’s website for details.
The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 is located at 10900 E. Pt. Douglass Road, right between Cottage Grove and Hastings on the north side of historic Highway 61. For more information, call 651-459-3001.
The Haunted Hallways in Austin
Two women who loved Halloween turned their passion for the holiday into an attraction to share with the community the Haunted Hallways of Austin. This annual event is the brainchild of creators Amanda Clennon and Nicole Reimann and has been a staple fall event in Austin for the past 10 years. Using their creativity, skills, supplies and decorations from the dollar store, and Christmas decorations, the two ladies and their supporters have created a range of themed rooms to scare and delight visitors.
A great destination for anyone living in or visiting the Austin, Minnesota, area, this event is also free to visitors, though donations are accepted and appreciated. You can expect to find the Haunted Hallways at the typical location this year, at 2019 17th Street SE. Doors are usually open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Check the social media page for an updated schedule and any changes.
Valleyfair Tricks and Treats
For Halloween fun that the whole family can enjoy, Valleyfair, one of Minnesota’s largest amusement parks with over 75 rides and attractions, is hosting Trick and Treats from September 30 through October 30. This can’t-miss Halloween event features the Land of Tricks. Here, you’ll find Ickyville, where all things are slimy, gooey, sticky, and stinky. You can also watch the fun, entertaining antics of the Clean Up Crew, see the live game show “The Gross Out Gauntlet,” and even enjoy live music played by a zombie cover band.
You’ll also find Spooky Spires in Ickyville — a 1920s-inspired village filled with creatures and monsters that are dying to meet you. Kids will relish a visit to the Land of Treats, which is home to both Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres. At Everfall, guests can live the classic relaxed fall dream life. If you love the smell of cinnamon and the flavor of pumpkin spice and chicken pot pie, along with rock painting and pumpkin decorating, this is the place where your dreams become a reality.
At Sweet Tooth Acres, you can celebrate the sweeter side of the season. Here, you can crunch on candy corn, marvel at lollipop trees, and try a bite of candied bacon for an unforgettable salty-sweet crunch. To truly celebrate the season, be sure to saunter down Trick or Treat Trail and collect your goodies. You’ll also find live entertainment and an array of different fair food choices and classic American treats, such as fun-flavored cupcakes, fall-themed beer, and spiked cider.
Entrance to the fall fantasy land of Tricks and Treats is included with a general admission ticket to Valleyfair, which starts at just $34.99. For more information, regular business hours, or to learn more about specials and discounts, call 952-445-7600.
So, there you have it. Tom Kadlec Kia has enjoyed sharing our top picks of the best haunted houses in Austin, Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for a friendly little surprise or a bone-chilling scare, there’s a slew of options to select from that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite haunted house? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we’ll be sure to check it out. You might even find your suggestion featured on our list next time.
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